clipped from: www.sfgate.com Home of the San Francisco Chronicle
Thursday, February 21, 2008
An ordinance proposed by Supervisor Tom Ammiano would amend the city code to require city-funded shelters to supply basic needs such as clean towels, soap, toilet paper, blankets and sheets; to offer fresh drinking water and nutritional meals; to provide transportation to medical and drug treatment and housing appointments; to maintain compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act; and to train staff to de-escalate violent situations.
The city would monitor shelter compliance and, if necessary, collect damages from those who do not comply.
San Francisco's homeless population has been estimated at more than 6,000, many of whom eschew shelters because of the conditions.
"This is a moral issue, not a political issue," said Ammiano Wednesday before a crowd of several dozen, many of them homeless, on the steps of City Hall. "It's a matter of social justice," he added.
Supervisors Ross Mirkarimi and Aaron Peskin also expressed support Wednesday for the legislation.
The proposed legislation is the result of a collaboration between city departments, the Coalition on Homelessness, the city's Shelter Monitoring Committee and shelter residents.